Portugal puts aside Ronaldo controversy
By OnzeActu · · 5 min read
Portugal coach Jorge Jesus says the national team must remain focused on their crucial match against Norway, despite the controversial departure of Cristiano Ronaldo. The debates concerning the future of the five-time Ballon d'Or will be left aside, the objective being qualification for the rest of the Nations League.
According to Soccernews.
Why it matters
The match against Norway is crucial for Portugal, as a victory could ensure their qualification for the quarter-finals of the Nations League. In a context marked by the controversial departure of Cristiano Ronaldo, the team must demonstrate resilience and concentration to overcome distractions and focus on the collective goal. Jorge Jesus' management will also be tested, as he seeks to maintain harmony within the group.
Key points
- Portugal puts aside the Ronaldo controversy.
- Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus said the national team must remain focused on their crucial match against Norway, despite the controversial departure of Cristiano Ronaldo.
- Portugal shelve Ronaldo controversy as Jesus full demands focus on Norway.
In a climate agitated by the recent departure of Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portuguese selection is preparing its decisive match against Norway in the Nations League. Since the hasty departure of the star striker, at the heart of a controversy with the new coach Jorge Jesus, the question of Ronaldo's future in the selection continues to fuel debate.
Jorge Jesus, who knows the Portuguese star well having collaborated with him at Al-Nassr, made the strong choice not to field Ronaldo last week during the 2-1 victory obtained in Oslo against Erling Haaland's Norway. Subsequently, the striker was seen in training apart from his teammates before leaving the group before the match against Denmark. A match won 4-2 by Portugal thanks to goals from Joao Cancelo, Goncalo Ramos, Vitinha and Joao Felix.
Faced with media pressure, Jorge Jesus decided to dodge the controversy by calling on his group to remain fully focused on the upcoming match: “We must focus on the national team and on Norway. It's not that we ignore Ronaldo, he remains a symbol of Portugal. We will be able to address his case after the match,” he assured the press.
Jorge Jesus was also firm on his management: he does not intend to let any player influence his decisions and reminds that it is collective performance that takes precedence. Asked about the possible return of Ronaldo in an ambassadorial role in the run-up to the 2030 World Cup organized jointly by Spain, Morocco and Portugal, he replied: “We are already talking about 2030! In football, everything happens very quickly, every day counts. For now, only this match against Norway matters to me. »
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The technician also underlined the strength of the opponent: “Norway is for me one of the five best teams in Europe. The match will be very intense. This is what I want us to focus on. »
As for the possible tension with the supporters for having dismissed the Portuguese legend, he says: “Affection must go first to the team, to the players, to the jersey. I was a big supporter too, but it’s the national team that counts above all. »
Since the start of 2025, the statistics have reminded us that the Portugal team has displayed a solid performance without Ronaldo: 80% of victories without the star (4 wins and 1 draw in 5 matches), compared to 59% when he is present (10 wins, 4 draws and 3 defeats in 17 matches), and a significantly higher goal average (3.4 goals/match compared to 1.9).
As Portugal prepares to play its first home match since Ronaldo's departure, a victory against Norway at the Estádio do Dragão in Porto would bring the Seleção much closer to qualifying for the final four of the Nations League next March. The whole nation will therefore be suspended from the performance of Jorge Jesus' men.
Frequently asked questions
What is the score of the last match between Portugal and Norway?
The last match between Portugal and Norway ended with a victory for Portugal 2-1.
What impact does this match have on the Nations League standings?
The match against Norway is decisive for Portugal in the Nations League, but the exact impact on the ranking depends on the results of the other teams.
When is Portugal's next match after the one against Norway?
Portugal's next match after Norway is against Denmark.
Who scored the goals in Portugal's last match?
Goals in Portugal's last match against Denmark were scored by Joao Cancelo, Goncalo Ramos, Vitinha and Joao Felix.
What is Cristiano Ronaldo's current situation in the national team?
Cristiano Ronaldo recently left the squad before the match against Denmark and did not feature in the last match against Norway.